The achievement in setting a new national record of 12 consecutive Test victories was yet to sink in for captain Martin Johnson, but Woodward drew immense pride from his skipper's performance and the progress England have made since their last, doomed visit to these shores.

Five years ago, a shadow England squad were torn from pillar to post by both Australia and New Zealand, but tonight the squad left to "enjoy a few glasses" safe in the knowledge that, for the first time ever, they had completed back-to-back victories over the All Blacks.

It is a sensational achievement, particularly as the only other English Test victory here came in 1973, since then England have beaten the All Blacks in 1983, 1993 and now 2003.

Add to that post-war sequence the triumph at Twickenham in November and English rugby will rarely have been stronger.

"We were all here in 1998 which was one of the low points of English rugby. I thought this was one of the high points," said Woodward.

"It's great to turn it round over that five-year period and come back and compete with these guys. "I was very confident if we came with a full-strength side we would match anything they put out and that's what we proved.

"It didn't go anywhere near like we wanted to on the attacking side, but the defence was just magnificent. One of the best performances I have ever seen. And that lies down to guts."

Despite the All Blacks having them under incredible pressure throughout, Woodward's side never trailed and largely kept New Zealand at bay despite spending 10 minutes of the second half down to 13 men.

Jonny Wilkinson defied the swirling, beastly winds inside the Westpac Stadium to land four penalties and a drop-goal, which eventually proved to be enough despite Doug Howlett's second-half try.

England started on the charge and won a penalty inside 90 seconds before defending for large swathes of the

match like a lion protecting its cub.

"It was down to the desire, enthusiasm and commitment of all the white shirts out there," said defensive coach Phil Larder.

"They have got tremendous courage and tremendous character."

The first half was dour and error-strewn and bar some magnificent defence, Wilkinson's second penalty from wide on the right, struck in shifting winds, was the highlight.

Just for a split-second it was held by the wind and hung over the crossbar, teasing the healthy contingent of England fans in the sell-out crowd, before dropping just over.

It was a magnificent effort and, on a day when England's offensive play misfired so badly, showed the benefits of having the world's finest kicker in the side.

After all, Carlos Spencer missed four pops at goal.

"Jonny's kicking wasn't bad, was it?" New Zealand coach John Mitchell said ruefully. "He is an outstanding player."

The game's most crucial period came immediately after the interval and followed a third Wilkinson penalty that had put England 9-6 ahead.

Neil Back was sin-binned for repeated infringements at the breakdown and was swiftly followed off by Lawrence Dallaglio, who it was adjudged had killed the ball as the All Blacks charged down-field.

Dallaglio's departure followed a magnificent display of scrambling defence to deny Howlett, Justin Marshall and then Joe Rokocoko but left England with 13 players, only six forwards and facing a scrum on their own five-metre line.

In fact, England were two men short for four scrums in the next 10 minutes, but more than held their own and, led by Johnson, it became a symbolic passage of play.

"I thought Johnson was brilliant, he held his nerve, kept his cool and led magnificently when we could have fallen apart," said Woodward.

"I am very proud. It was a very key part of the game."

As Back and Dallaglio returned, England moved six points clear before Wilkinson landed a drop-goal and suddenly the camp began to feel confident of victory - but then Howlett struck, chasing Spencer's kick and winning the race to touch down.

Josh Lewsey said afterwards: "We need to step up our performance, especially in attack - but if we play badly and win against a team like that, we are very happy. There is is no harder place to come and win."

Lewsey was victim of a physical game's only real black mark and was forced off for stitches after Ali Williams stomped on his head.

The Auckland lock was cited after the game for the offence and will face a hearing tomorrow morning.